MANILA, Philippines — Rossana Fajardo, a commissioner of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), has tendered her resignation, the second such departure from the three-member fact-finding body created to probe alleged corruption in flood-control and other state infrastructure projects.
Fajardo submitted a “courtesy resignation” effective Dec. 31, 2025, saying she had completed the work she was appointed to do, particularly in developing financial oversight frameworks and advancing evidence gathering. Her exit follows the earlier resignation of former Public Works Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson, leaving the ad-hoc ICI with only its chairperson, retired Supreme Court Justice Andres Reyes Jr.
Commission’s Mission and Current Status
The ICI was established in September 2025 through an executive order to investigate alleged irregularities and misuse of funds in multi-billion-peso infrastructure projects implemented over the past decade. The commission has been looking into flood-control contracts and other government works suspected of graft and anomalies.
Despite Fajardo’s departure, ICI officials say the probe and evidence building are ongoing. The commission has reportedly filed several cases and referrals with the Office of the Ombudsman and other agencies, and continues to process remaining matters before its work phases into handover and final reporting.
No Replacements Yet; Push for Permanent Body
Malacañang has indicated that no immediate replacements are being considered for the vacant positions. Presidential Communications officers have said the administration is prioritizing the passage of legislation to create a more permanent investigative entity — such as an Independent People’s Commission (IPC) or an Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption (ICAIC) — rather than filling short-term vacancies on the ICI.
Only a handful of key personnel remain at the commission, including its executive director and a special adviser. Officials say the Government intends for the Ombudsman and Department of Justice to take over prosecutorial responsibilities once the ICI’s fact-finding phase concludes.
Reactions and Next Steps
Lawmakers and civil society groups have reacted with mixed views. Some have welcomed the commission’s efforts to uncover evidence of possible corruption, while others argue that the repeated resignations highlight structural weaknesses in the ICI and strengthen calls for a permanent institution with broader powers.
As Congress continues to deliberate on bills to create a permanent anti-graft body, the ICI’s remaining work will transition toward completing investigations and submitting case referrals to relevant law-enforcement and prosecutorial offices in the new year.
